The Franklinton Board of Aldermen and Mayor Greg Route met on Tuesday, August 13 in one of the briefest sessions in recent memory. After the invocation by Roy Ramsey and the Pledge of Allegiance, the Board voted to approve the minutes of the July 23 regular meeting and then the minutes of the July 29, 2024, special meeting. Alderman Heath Spears was absent.
In new business the Board addressed only two agenda items. First, the Board reviewed quotes and selected a vendor for the purchase of a vehicle for the public works department. Local dealership Walt Massey submitted the low quote of $41,699 which was, in some cases, much lower than quotes of other dealers. After a brief discussion, Walt Massey's quote was accepted. Alderman TJ Butler Jr. was especially pleased that the purchase will be made from the "hometown" business.
Next, the Board was to approve November 5, 2024, as a holiday for Town employees. Mayor Route explained that this is the date of the Presidential Election and, as tradition dictates, is a holiday. He then shared his thoughts of making this election day a Town of Franklinton closing in the future. This entailed having to make a motion to amend the agenda to add the "future meetings." Once wording was approved, the item was adopted.
In closing remarks, Alderwoman Patrice Crain added that COVID is on the rise, and she wants everyone to be vigilant. Mayor Route was pleased to announce that the Town of Franklinton received an Honorable Mention for Community Achievement at the recent Louisiana Municipal Association Meeting for the completion of the Bene Street well. He was happy as the Town competes with town that have populations of 3,001 to 10,000 residents. The awards are for one first place and three honorable mention recipients. He plans to enter the medical district water improvements for next year. This is the Town of Franklinton's second consecutive year to receive this award.
